X Factor fans were shocked when it was announced that judges Robbie and Ayda Williams quit the panel.

The husband-and-wife duo walked away from the reality TV after just one series, and while they have not fallen out with show boss Simon Cowell reports suggest that they were unhappy after their demand for a pay rise was not met.

"The loss of Robbie is a big blow, given his huge star power. But The X Factor is being overhauled and we are likely going to go back to three judges, which is how we started," a source told The Sun.

"Robbie and Ayda were already on a £10 million deal and there was no way were going to be able to increase that sort of money."

The statement read: "Sadly though it's impossible to do everything ... and we're gutted to tell you we won't be able to return to The X Factor this year."

However, the couple said they will still be working with Simon Cowell on different projects.

"We will, however, be working on projects with Simon going forward - and as a huge fans of the show, we will still be tuning into The X Factor, voting and winding Simon up," they added.

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